Zenit St. Petersburg Keen On Axel Witsel

Witsel piqued the interest of a number of Europe’s elite last season when he instantly adapted to Benfica, following a move from Standard Liege, and put in a series of outstanding performances in the Champions League.

Soon Real Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester City, Anzhi Makhachkala and Paris Saint-Germain were all being heavily linked with bidding for the 23-year-old.

Witsel has seemed close to the Estadio da Luz exit door all summer and Real Madrid remain firm favourites to capture the player.

But Russian champions Zenit are ready to make their own move for Witsel.

Zenit boss Luciano Spalletti is a big fan of the all-action midfielder and believes he would fit in perfectly at the club.

And Witsel would also increase the chances of Zenit making a splash in the Champions League, something Spalletti is keen for them to do this season.